EMDR with children and adolescent - a powerful technique to break the cycle of violence
Description
Background and Aims
WHO estimates that globally one billion children are affected by physical, sexual and/or emotional violence and neglect [1]. Studies, esp. the Kaiser study have shown that direct or vicarious exposure to violence as in adverse childhood experiences affects children’s and adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment (behavioral, emotional, social and academic) and produces an array of psychological effects that jeopardize their ability to function optimally later in life [2]. These difficulties may in turn affect the next generation and can lead to a cycle of violence[3,4]. WHO recommends the use of EMDR in the management of conditions caused by stress [5] and child maltreatment [6].
Methods
The presentation will give a brief theoretical overview on the impact of trauma on children and the transgenerational impact of unresolved trauma on the cycle of violence. It will highlight the effectiveness of EMDR in breaking the cycle of violence in theory and outlining it by two case studies: one from Germany and the other from South Africa.
Results
The first presented case outlines the treatment of an adolescent female with PTSD and severe feelings of revenge after her brother was murdered in Hamburg, Germany and the second the treatment of an adolescent who was involved in organized gang violence in a juvenile prison in Cape Town, South Africa.
Conclusion
Offering EMDR to children and adolescent affected by violence is a crucial factor in the process of conflict transformation and violence prevention.
WHO estimates that globally one billion children are affected by physical, sexual and/or emotional violence and neglect [1]. Studies, esp. the Kaiser study have shown that direct or vicarious exposure to violence as in adverse childhood experiences affects children’s and adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment (behavioral, emotional, social and academic) and produces an array of psychological effects that jeopardize their ability to function optimally later in life [2]. These difficulties may in turn affect the next generation and can lead to a cycle of violence[3,4]. WHO recommends the use of EMDR in the management of conditions caused by stress [5] and child maltreatment [6].
Methods
The presentation will give a brief theoretical overview on the impact of trauma on children and the transgenerational impact of unresolved trauma on the cycle of violence. It will highlight the effectiveness of EMDR in breaking the cycle of violence in theory and outlining it by two case studies: one from Germany and the other from South Africa.
Results
The first presented case outlines the treatment of an adolescent female with PTSD and severe feelings of revenge after her brother was murdered in Hamburg, Germany and the second the treatment of an adolescent who was involved in organized gang violence in a juvenile prison in Cape Town, South Africa.
Conclusion
Offering EMDR to children and adolescent affected by violence is a crucial factor in the process of conflict transformation and violence prevention.
Format
Conference
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Stellermann-Strehlow, K. (2021, June). EMDR with children and adolescent - a powerful technique to break the cycle of violence. Presentation at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Virtual
Collection
Citation
“EMDR with children and adolescent - a powerful technique to break the cycle of violence,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 4, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/26966.